H.B. 173 Summary

• Establishes a formal application process for executive pardons requiring applicants to submit detailed information including name, aliases, date of birth, state identification number, case history, and reasons for seeking pardon to the Hawaii paroling authority.

• Requires the Hawaii paroling authority to provide pardon application information to the prosecuting attorney of the county where each offense occurred within 45 days of receiving a complete application.

• Mandates prosecuting attorneys contact victims or surviving immediate family members within 30 days and affords them 30 days to submit additional information for consideration in the pardon review process.

• Allows the governor to refer pardon applications to the attorney general and Hawaii paroling authority for investigation and recommendation; applications become eligible for consideration 45 days after all materials are received.

• Establishes a two-year waiting period before a denied pardon applicant may reapply, which the governor or designated Hawaii paroling authority chairperson may waive if new significant information is presented.